Paystack has suspended its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate and a wave of outrage over resurfaced explicit tweets posted more than a decade ago.
The Stripe-owned fintech confirmed the suspension in a statement to TechCabal, noting that Olubi has been relieved of all duties pending the outcome of a formal internal investigation.
“Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our Co-founder, Ezra Olubi,” the company said. “We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation.”
Out of respect for the individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the process, the company added that it will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete.
The controversy escalated after several of Olubi’s old posts, dated between 2009 and 2017, were dug up and widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter).
The tweets contained sexually explicit statements about coworkers, graphic jokes referencing minors, and remarks involving bestiality.
One viral 2011 tweet read:
“Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”
Other posts showed Olubi making comments about erections during meetings, wanting to photograph a colleague’s thighs, and making unsettling statements referencing young girls. Additional screenshots included tweets in which he claimed to have HIV and Hepatitis B, as well as graphic comments implying sexual contact with a cat.
The posts triggered nationwide outrage, with hashtags related to Olubi trending and thousands of users tagging Nigerian authorities and calling for accountability. Critics expressed shock that such statements came from a prominent figure in the country’s tech ecosystem.
The uproar followed allegations by a former partner, identified online as “Maki,” who accused Olubi of emotional abuse, misogyny, and manipulation in the context of a polyamorous relationship.
The relationship reportedly involved two bisexual women who were also dating each other. After news of their breakup surfaced, users began resurfacing archived tweets, pushing the controversy into the national spotlight.
As the backlash grew, checks showed that Olubi deactivated his X account on November 13. Reports circulating online claim he operated a separate burner account that began deleting posts as the scandal intensified.
Meanwhile, fresh screenshots continue to emerge, adding fuel to public anger.
Many Nigerians are questioning how such tweets remained unnoticed for years and are demanding stronger accountability standards in the tech industry.
